(Chapter 11)
At this moment, Lorcan Frostborne had chosen to stay at the Faeloria residence. Clarisse quietly observed his every movement while enjoying her dinner.
Her father, Jonathan Faeloria, spoke more than usual. Normally, he emphasized silence during dinner as a sign of noble etiquette, but tonight felt different.
Jonathan encouraged Clarisse to present herself in the best light whenever she was with Lorcan. Clarisse, usually more reserved, now enjoyed the beauty of the night in the garden with Lorcan.
Clarisse felt awkward, as Lorcan kept staring at her with serious eyes, as though searching for something within her.
"There are so many stars tonight. Does Your Highness like stars?" Clarisse asked, trying to change the awkward atmosphere.
Lorcan smiled upon hearing Clarisse's question.
"Yes, I do enjoy them. In the North, the stars are visible when there are no snowstorms."
"Is it true that it often snows there?"
"Yes, quite frequently."
Clarisse imagined herself living in such a place, the North, known for its cold weather as if winter lasted all year round. It felt like a different world, with a climate so distinct from other places where the seasons changed normally.
Lorcan was a handsome and perfect man. His very pale skin didn't appear sickly.
Clarisse thought, 'Perhaps the cold weather in the North makes Lorcan's skin so white, almost like a woman's.'
"Is something wrong? You're looking at me like that?" Lorcan asked, noticing Clarisse's gaze.
"Sorry, Your Highness. It's just that your skin is very white."
"White?"
"Your skin color is very white."
"Do you not like it?"
"No, I like it very much."
Lorcan smiled contentedly at Clarisse's compliment.
Lorcan was pleased that Clarisse liked his pale skin. Without hesitation, he touched the back of Clarisse's hand. Clarisse was startled and tried to stay calm so that Lorcan wouldn't feel offended.
Clarisse didn't want to make Lorcan feel uncomfortable.
She glanced around the garden, making sure there were no servants or guards watching them.
Clarisse was certain this had all been prepared by her parents. They were now sitting side by side, and Lorcan's increasingly intimate touch made Clarisse more nervous. Yet, Clarisse quietly accepted his behavior, even though she was starting to feel uneasy.
Clarisse didn't refuse when Lorcan stroked her hair, and when he dared to touch her again, she felt strange about his sudden change in behavior—something Clarisse had never imagined before.
Clarisse looked at Lorcan, silently asking him to stop.
"Sorry, Your Highness. Isn't this too improper?"
"Don't you like it?"
Clarisse felt that Lorcan didn't care and seemed unapologetic.
"This is too uncomfortable, and I feel awkward."
Clarisse was surprised by Lorcan's change in behavior, daring to touch her without asking for permission first. Inside, Clarisse felt anxious and wanted to end the conversation and retreat to her room.
"It's getting late, Your Highness. It's time for us to rest," Clarisse said cautiously.
"Yes, it's time to rest," Lorcan answered, though his voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction.
Clarisse decided to distance herself from the thoughts in her mind and took a step away.
Clarisse walked slowly to her room, her heart enveloped with anxiety and confusion. Once she reached her door, she thought about Lorcan's actions. Her heart raced, but she decided to change her clothes and try to calm herself before going to bed.
To Be Continued